Martial arts weapons kit

ABSTRACT

The present subject matter relates to a martial arts weapons kit that includes two or more stick segments and one or more connectors configured for connecting the two or more stick segments together into one of a variety of martial arts weapons configurations.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/060,389, filed Aug. 3, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to martial arts weapons kits and to methods for making and using the same.

BACKGROUND

Martial arts students and teachers often have gear bags that are heavy and bulky, making transport difficult. Students and/or teachers might have to leave a gear bag in a car, where the bag could be stolen if the car is broken into and/or where the contents of the bag could be damaged from conditions in the car, such as the heat of summer. Also, children taking martial arts training and instruction can particularly struggle with heavy gear bags. Thus, there is a need in the art for configurable martials arts gear that can provide for a range of weapons yet be more easily transportable.

SUMMARY

In accordance with this disclosure, martial arts weapons kits and to methods for making and using the same are provided. In one aspect, a martial arts weapons kit is provided. In some embodiments, the kit includes two or more stick segments and one or more connectors that are configured for connecting the two or more stick segments and attachments together into one of a variety of martial arts weapons configurations.

In another aspect, a method for assembling a martial arts weapon is provided in which two or more stick segments are connected together using one or more connectors. Particularly, the two or more stick segments and attachments are connected into one of a variety of martial arts weapons configurations.

Although some of the aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein have been stated hereinabove, and which are achieved in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other aspects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present subject matter will be more readily understood from the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are given merely by way of explanatory and non-limiting example, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of elements of a martial arts weapons kit according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of a first coupling element of a martial arts weapons kit according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of a connector assembly of a martial arts weapons kit according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of a connector of martial arts weapons kit according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of elements of a martial arts weapons kit according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 6 through 9 are perspective side views of different end segments of a martial arts weapons kit according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of elements of a martial arts weapons kit according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter addresses the need for martial arts equipment that is easier to transport. Referring to FIG. 1, in one aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a kit, generally designated 100, comprising a plurality of elongated stick segments 110 and one or more connectors 120 configured for connecting the elongated stick segments 110 together in one or more functional configuration associated with various common pieces of marital arts equipment. By way of example and not limitation, such a kit can include eight (8) 1-foot-long stick segments 110. In some embodiments, the stick segments 110 are each composed of wood such that the assembled martial arts pieces substantially approximate the look, feel, and functionality of traditional elements, although those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the stick segments 110 can be composed of any of a variety of other materials, including but not limited to aluminum or graphite.

Regardless of the particular form of stick segments 110, in some embodiments, the connectors 120 can couple together multiple stick segments 110 in linear arrangements such that the stick segments 110 can be reassembled into various staff configurations. Specifically, for example, six foot-long stick segments 110 can be assembled into two-foot escrima sticks, three-foot staffs, a four-foot staff, a five-foot staff, or a six-foot staff. In some embodiments, the connectors 120 are formed from metal or carbon fiber to provide strong, substantially rigid connections between segments, although those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the connectors 120 can be composed of any of a variety of other materials. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the kit 100 can further include one or more end segments 130 to which the stick segments 110 can be coupled together using the connectors 120 which are each particularly configured to create specialty martial arts equipment, including but not limited to nunchakus, kama, tonfa, and/or a 3-section staff.

To achieve this selective coupling of the components, the stick segments 110 and the end segments 130 are configured to matingly couple together using the connectors 120. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, each of the stick segments 110 can include a first coupling element 113 arranged at one or both ends 112 of the stick segments 110. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, such a first coupling element 113 can be a female coupling feature in the form of a substantially cylindrical cavity. The cavity can be formed into the ends 112 of the stick segments 110, or the first coupling element 113 can be provided as a separate receiver element that is secured to the ends 112 of the stick segments 110, such as by using a screw or other fastener. In some embodiments, the first coupling element 113 is composed of the same material as that of the stick segments 110.

Correspondingly, one or both ends of each of the connectors 120 includes a second coupling element 123. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, such a second coupling element 123 can be a male coupling feature in the form of a substantially cylindrical plug that is sized and shaped to be received in the first coupling element 113. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the configurations of the first coupling element 113 and the second coupling element 123 can be reversed such that the first coupling element 113 can be in the form of a male coupling feature that extends from one or both ends 112 of each of the stick segments 110, and the second coupling element 123 of connector 120 can correspondingly be in the form of a female coupling feature that is configured to receive the male coupling feature of the first coupling element 113.

With continuing reference to the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shapes of each of the first coupling element 113 and the second coupling element 123 can include additional features to enhance the connection between the elements. In some embodiments, for example, the first coupling element 113 can have a substantially cylindrical cavity having a first diameter D1 that corresponds to a diameter of the second coupling element 123, and the first coupling element 113 widens at the end 112 of the stick segment 110 to a second diameter D2 that is greater than the first diameter such that a step 115 is formed at the transition between the first diameter and the second diameter. In this arrangement, the second coupling element 123 is configured to be inserted into the cavity of the first coupling element 113 having the first diameter, and the second coupling element 123 further includes a central collar 125 having a maximum width that is greater than the first diameter but is less than or substantially equal to the second diameter. Thus, the elements can be engaged by inserting the male coupling feature of the second coupling element 123 into the female coupling feature of the first coupling element 113 until the central collar 125 encounters the step 115 such that the second coupling element 123 is fully engaged with the first coupling element 113. In some embodiments, the distance that the step 115 is inset into the end 112 of the stick element 110 is sized to be substantially equal to half of the length of the central collar 125. In this arrangement, when a stick element 110 is coupled to each end of the connector 120, the opposing ends 112 of the two stick elements 110 that are coupled by the connector 120 are arranged substantially flush against one another. In this way, the connection of multiple stick elements 110 can be substantially seamless.

In some embodiments, the first coupling element 113 and the second coupling element 123 are correspondingly sized so that a press fit can be achieved that securely holds the coupling elements together. Further, in some embodiments, a spring is provided in the bottom of the cavity of the first coupling element 113 to help prevent dislodgement of the connector 120.

Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, for example, each of the connectors 120 comprise bayonet quick connect couplings similar to those used in hydraulic or electrical applications that securely lock together with a simple push and twist motion. Referring to FIG. 4, for example, in some embodiments, the second coupling element 123 has one or more J-shaped groove 124 in the side, and corresponding pins 114 can be provided within the first coupling element 123, such as is shown in FIG. 2. In this configuration, mating the first coupling element 113 with the second coupling element 123 can include sliding the pins 114 into the one or more J-shaped groove 124 and locking the pins 114 into a hook-shaped part of the J-shaped groove 124. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second coupling element 123 has the pins, and the first coupling element 113 has grooves for the pins to slide into. In either arrangement, in some embodiments, the pins are arranged perpendicular to the shaft of the stick segment 110 and are cut flush so that the pins also hold the connector 120 in place with respect to the stick segment 110.

By way of example and not limitation, where the first coupling element 113 is a female connector installed in each end 112 of a stick segment 110 so that there is nothing protruding beyond the end of the stick segment 110, and the connector 120 is a single piece of metal that has two back-to-back second coupling elements 123 serving as male ends, one end of the connector 120 is inserted into a first coupling element 113 of a stick segment 110 and twisted to lock it into place. Then, another stick segment 110 is fitted over the other exposed end of the connector 120 and likewise twisted to lock it into place. This coupling process creates a 2-unit stick. Additional stick elements 110 can be added in a similar fashion to create successively longer staffs. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the connection is sufficiently precise such that the stick segments 110 butt flush against each other to form a near seamless connection, and the coupling is sufficiently strong to handle impact. In some embodiments, for example, the connector 120 is configured to engage the first coupling element 113 with a sufficient retaining force to withstand both clockwise and counterclockwise torques at the connection and force upon impact with a target so that the elements do not decouple or cause the first coupling element 113 to separate from the stick segments 110. Furthermore, the connectors 120 are composed of a material selected to withstand damage during such impacts.

In some embodiments, each of the stick segments 110 can be identical, with both ends 112 of each of the stick segments 110 including a first coupling element 113. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the kit 100 can also include end caps 150 that can be added to un-coupled ends of the stick once assembled. For example, in some embodiments, the end caps 150 can include a corresponding coupling element, such as a male coupling feature that is substantially similar to the second coupling element 124 of the connectors 120. In any arrangement, the end caps 150 can cover the first coupling element 113 of each terminal one of stick elements 110 and help to keep debris out of the first coupling element 113. In some embodiments, the end caps 150 are composed of wood or carbon fiber, and the material can be selected to correspond to the composition of the stick elements 110.

In addition to creating staffs of varying lengths, the kit 100 can include further components to assemble a wide variety of other specialty martial arts equipment. In this regard, in some embodiments, the kit 100 further includes one or more end segments 130 to which the stick segments 110 can be coupled together using the connectors 120. Each of end segments 130 is particularly designed to serve as the head of a martial arts weapons that can be attached to one or more of stick segments 110 to have an appropriate length. Referring to FIG. 5, the end segments 130 can be coupled to the stick segments 110 in substantially the same manner as connecting two of stick segments 110 together as discussed above. In particular, for example, in some embodiments, each of the end segments 130 includes a third coupling element 133 that has substantially the same configuration as the first coupling element 113. In this way, the third coupling element 133 can be coupled to a second coupling element 123 of one of connectors 120 to which one or more of the stick segments 110 is attached. Like the connection mechanisms discussed above, this connection of the third coupling element 133 to the second coupling element 123 can include mating the diameters of the elements to fit snugly together, providing arrangements of pins and grooves between the coupling elements to enable the components to twist and lock together, or any of a variety of other connection mechanisms known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 6, in some particular embodiments, a pair of the end segments 130 can each be configured as a nunchaku attachment 130 a that includes a third coupling element 133 at one end and a receptacle 132 through which a cord, chain, or other linkage can pass for connection to a second nunchaku attachment 130 a. As shown in FIG. 7, one of the end segments 130 can be configured as a kama blade attachment 130 b that includes a third coupling element 133 at one end and a kama blade 136 at an opposing end. Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, one of the end segments 130 can be provided in the form of a tonfa attachment 130 c having a third coupling element 133 at one end of a first stick element 137 and a handle 138 extending from the first stick element 137 at a 90-degree angle. Referring to FIG. 9, one of the end segments 130 can be provided in the form of an eku attachment 130 d having an oar blade 139 provided opposite the third coupling element 133. Those having ordinary skill in the art should recognize that these configurations for the end segments 130 merely provide representative examples of the types of elements that can be assembled using the kit 100, and they are not intended to limit the possible configurations for the end segments 130 that can be included in the kit 100. In some embodiments, attachments of any martial art stick-type weapon can be achieved, such as the different Chinese weapons in addition to the traditional Okinawa weapons.

In some situations, it is desirable for martial arts equipment to be padded with foam or another appropriately impact-absorbing material to allow users to more safely spar with one another. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the kit 100 can include one or more foam sleeve 140 that can slide over the stick segments 110. In some embodiments, each foam sleeve 140 is held in place by a press fit with the stick segments 110. Alternatively, one or more of the foam sleeves 140 includes a closed or capped end against which a terminal end of a series of connected stick segments 110 can abut. In this arrangement, the kit 100 can provide a foam sleeve 140 for each of stick segments 110, which effectively doubles the number of weapons that can be assembled from the elements of the kit 100.

In any configuration, the combination of elements of the kit 100 according to the present patent application provides the ability to assemble over 20 combinations of martial arts weapons from easy-to-connect components. This kit 100 reduces the weight and cumbersome nature of current martial arts weapons. In some examples, whereas a combined weight of a common group of martial arts weapons can be about 20 pounds, the components of the kit 100 can provide equivalent functionality using elements that weight only about 5 pounds.

In addition, most martial artists desire to carry their sparring gear to and from class. Since the various martial arts pieces are all assembled from selected combinations of short components, the entire set of components can be easily transported in a compact container to allow for such personal carry. For example, in some embodiments, the kit 100 can be stored in a briefcase with foam cutouts to store the parts, in a saddle bag or backpack that further has pockets for hand pads, foot pads, shin guards, forearm guards, a helmet, a chest protector, a mouth guard, and/or protective cup, or in a case in the form of a shield, such as a traditional Okinawa tinbe. This “shield” embodiment can further comprise a back plate to allow the pieces to secured inside and locked in travel, and/or the arm straps for the shield can be converted into a backpack for easy transport.

It will be understood that various details of the presently disclosed subject matter may be changed without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A martial arts weapons kit comprising: two or more stick segments; and one or more connectors configured for connecting the two or more stick segments together into one of a variety of martial arts weapons configurations.
 2. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more connectors comprises at least one connector configured for coupling to each end of each of the two or more stick segments.
 3. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 1, wherein at least one end of each of the two or more stick segments comprises a first coupling element; and wherein the one or more connectors comprise one or more second coupling element configured to matingly engage the first coupling element.
 4. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 3, wherein the first coupling element comprises a substantially cylindrical cavity and each of the one or more second coupling element comprises a substantially cylindrical plug that is sized and shaped to be received within the substantially cylindrical cavity.
 5. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 3, wherein first coupling element is installed into an end of a respective one of the two or more stick segments such that the first coupling element does not protrude beyond the end of the respective one of the two or more stick segments.
 6. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 3, where in the first coupling element and each of the one or more second coupling element are configured to be twisted with respect to one another to lock the two or more stick segments in place.
 7. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 1, comprising one or more sleeves configured to cover one or more of the two or more stick segments.
 8. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 1, comprising one or more end caps configured to be attached over an end of one or more of the two or more stick segments.
 9. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 1, comprising one or more end segments comprising a third coupling element configured for attachment to the two or more stick segments using the one or more connectors.
 10. The martial arts weapons kit of claim 9, wherein the one or more end segments comprises one or more Okinawa weapon attachments selected from the group consisting of nunchakus, kama, eku, and tonfa.
 11. A method of assembling a martial arts weapon, the method comprising: connecting two or more stick segments together using one or more connectors; wherein the two or more stick segments are connected into one of a variety of martial arts weapons configurations.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein connecting two or more stick segments together using one or more connectors comprises: installing a first coupling element in an end of each of the two or more stick segments; matingly engaging a first end of one of the one or more connectors with the first coupling element of a first of the two or more stick segments; and matingly engaging a second end of the one of the one or more connectors with the first coupling element of a second of the two or more stick segments.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first coupling element comprises a substantially cylindrical cavity and each of the first end and the second end of the one or more connectors comprises a second coupling element including a substantially cylindrical plug that is sized and shaped to be received within the substantially cylindrical cavity.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the end of the first of the two or more stick segments is arranged substantially flush against the end of the second of the two or more stick segments.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein connecting two or more stick segments together using one or more connectors comprises twisting the two or more stick segments with respect to the one or more connectors to lock the two or more stick segments in place.
 16. The method of claim 11, comprising covering one or more of the two or more stick segments using one or more sleeves.
 17. The method of claim 11, comprising attaching one or more end caps over an end of one or more of the two or more stick segments.
 18. The method of claim 11, comprising attaching one or more end segments to the two or more stick segments using the one or more connectors.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more end segments comprises one or more Okinawa weapon attachments selected from the group consisting of nunchakus, kama, eku, and tonfa 